Programme Specification
A statement of the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin a
taught programme of study leading to an award from
The University of Sheffield
This programme specification covers the subject curriculum in Economics for the following dual honours degree
programme(s) and should be read in conjunction with the relevant specification for the second subject:
1. Programme Title(s)
2. Programme Code(s)
3. JACS Code(s)
Economics and Mathematics
ECNU16
L100
Economics and Politics
ECNU08
L100
Economics and Philosophy
ECNU07
L100
Business Management and Economics
MGTU15
N200
Accounting & Financial Management and
Economics
MGTU16
N400
French and Economics
FREU03
R100
German and Economics
GERU03
R200
Hispanic Studies and Economics
HSSU06
R400
Russian and Economics
RUSU02
R700
4.
Level of Study
Undergraduate
5a.
Final Qualification
Bachelor of Arts (BA) except ECNU16 which leads to the award of
Bachelor of Science ( BSc)
5b
QAA FHEQ Level
6
6.
Intermediate Qualification(s)
None
7.
Teaching Institution (if not Sheffield)
Not applicable
8.
Faculty
Social Sciences, except for the Modern Language dual programmes
which are offered via the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.
Co-ordinating Department
Economics, except for:
Management School (MGTU15, U16)
French (FREU03)
Germanic Studies (GERU03)
Hispanic Studies (HSSU06)
Russian (RUSU02)
10.
Other Department(s) involved in
teaching in the subject
None
11.
Mode(s) of Attendance
Full-time
12.
Duration of the Programme(s)
Three years, except for Modern Language dual programmes which
are 4 years, including a placement abroad between Levels 2 and 3.
13.
Accrediting Professional or
Statutory Body
None
14.
Date of production/revision
January 2011
9.
Dual Degrees
The University of Sheffield defines a dual degree as the independent study of two parallel subjects. Dual degrees
offer students the flexibility to choose a programme of study that reflects their interests and gives the opportunity to
develop detailed knowledge and key skills in two major subjects. Whilst the two subjects may be taught
independently, they will complement, inform and illuminate one another. Where there are two programme
specifications for dual degrees, one for each half of the programme, students should refer to both documents for a full
description of the whole programme. Where there are clear links between the two subjects, details will be included in
Sections 15 and 20 of the programme specifications.
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15. Background to the programme and subject area
These programmes involve the study of Economics in tandem with another discipline. This offers the learner a
programme allowing the acquisition of knowledge in each subject plus the opportunity to see the contrast and
comparison between the disciplines.
Economics concerns how society deals with the problem of scarcity – what to produce, how and for whom. The study
of economics has a long history but interest gathered pace in the nineteenth century and grew ever faster during the
last century. The Department of Economics at Sheffield has been in existence since the early years of last century
and has developed teaching and research interests in the many areas of economics that have arisen from the simple
definition above. Research in the Department, some supported by grants from the Research Councils, government
institutions and charitable foundations, covers many issues in applied and theoretical economics, but particularly
labour markets, international development and aspects of macroeconomics.
The curriculum is designed to provide students with a good grasp of modern economic theory, the issues underlying
current debates on economic policy and the quantitative techniques essential for economic investigation. There is a
strong emphasis on research-led teaching, (particularly through specialist modules at Level 3), with module content
reflecting the cutting-edge research expertise of teaching staff and student learning being oriented towards
independent study and the development of research skills. Amongst other things this allows students to engage with
the latest developments at the forefront of the subject. As a consequence the Department’s graduates are wellequipped for employment in a wide range of fields in both the public and private sectors, or for continuing into
postgraduate study.
Further information on programmes can be found on the Department’s website at http://www.shef.ac.uk/economics
16. Programme aims
Degree programmes in Economics are such that dual programmes have the following aims:
1. To provide a learning and teaching experience that is informed and invigorated by the research and scholarship
of our staff, and is both stimulating to, and enjoyed by, students;
2. To provide a range of skills in technical analysis (e.g. mathematical economics and statistics/econometrics) and
investigation applicable to economics;
3. To assess students over a range of skills and identify, support and encourage academic excellence;
4. To develop in students an independence of thought, intellectual curiosity and critical approach to evidence,
theories and concepts;
5. To develop in students, through the study of economics, a range of transferable skills that will be of value in
employment in a wide range of contexts, or for continued studies.
17. Programme learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding:
By the end of the programme students will be able to demonstrate:
K1
Knowledge of the core principles of economics;
K2
Understanding of the process of scholarship and research by which economic knowledge is acquired;
K3
A critical approach to concepts and theories and the assumptions on which they are based;
K4
The ability to appreciate and assess contemporary economic issues.
Skills and other attributes:
S1
Ability to apply logical and rational method, deduction and evaluation;
S2
Ability to develop and communicate arguments in both verbal and written form;
S3
Ability to use effective verbal, graphical and mathematical and statistical reasoning and analysis;
S4
Ability to acquire, organise and present information appropriately and effectively, using information and
communications technologies as required;
S5
Ability to work both independently and as a group member, demonstrating responsibility, initiative and
foresight;
S6
Ability to manage learning effectively, including self-assessment, the constructive use of feedback and the
capacity to manage time.
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18. Teaching, learning and assessment
Development of the learning outcomes is promoted through the following teaching and learning methods:
Knowledge and understanding (K1-4) are acquired in a variety of teaching and learning environments including
lectures, workshops and small group interactions. Lectures play a significant role at level 1 as do, for core modules,
regular tutorials. Independent study is essential to successful completion of the programme. An indication of the
required level of independent study for each unit is set out clearly in module outlines The programme is structured to
require more independent study at higher levels. Primary elements are assimilation and extension of material
acquired in lectures, preparation for tutorials/workshops and for coursework, and reflection on generic and individual
feedback. Additionally, open-access surgeries (consultation and feedback times) are optional timetabled sessions,
available on all modules for discussion of academic questions and problems, advice on essays, discussion of
reading and so on. These sessions reinforce all knowledge and understanding outcomes. Key skills are promoted
across the curriculum at all levels. Lectures impart certain skills (S1, S3) whilst most are developed via interactive
sessions and independent study (S1-S5). At level 1 explicit guidance on use of ICT, library skills (S4), time
management (S5-S6) and use of feedback (S6) is developed through study skills sessions at several points in the
year and expanded further by provision of website material on key skills. Later this is progressively integrated into
the objectives of individual units.
Opportunities to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes are provided through the following
assessment methods:
Formative assessment is used at all levels both to monitor students’ progress and to provide the feedback they
need in order to evaluate their own progress and to reflect upon the knowledge and understanding they have
acquired. Feedback on both coursework and tutorial/seminar performance encourages students to respond
effectively and positively to constructive criticism by reflecting both on their skills of argument, analysis and
presentation and on the coherence of their understanding of particular areas of economic analysis and policy
Written assignments are judged against the Department’s published assessment criteria. To help in this goal at all
levels the Department uses individual feedback forms for written work plus extensive generic feedback through
websites. These give an indication of performance relative to intended outcomes for the module and relative to
published criteria for achieving each classification within the 100 point marking scale. Work is expected to be wellpresented and written. Essays and quantitative or analytical problems are used to test the students’ acquisition of
key skills as well as their economic knowledge and understanding (K1-K4 and S1-S6)
Presentations in the form of group work or a seminar paper for example are used in some units, particularly certain
options, to allow students to demonstrate in depth knowledge and understanding acquisition in (usually) specific
topics and to enhance personal skills. These presentations are not normally assessed but add to the learners’
experience of the programme.
Examinations are used to test the students’ knowledge and understanding, as well as key skills - critical thinking
and abilities to draw upon memory and to write coherent, informed answers under pressure of time. The Department
has procedures in place to ensure that all examining procedures are moderated and regulated.
19. Reference points
The learning outcomes have been developed to reflect the following points of reference:
Internal:





University of Sheffield Mission Statement
University Learning,Teaching and Assessment Strategy
Departmental Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy
Departmental research interests
Feedback from External Examiners
External:

The Honours level qualification descriptor within the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Framework for Higher
Education (2008)

The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Subject Benchmark Statement for Economics (2007)

The Economics Network
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20. Programme structure and regulations
The dual degree programmes are composed of two distinct components, each of which constitute approximately half
of the credit weighting.
All these dual degree programmes require students to take 40 credits of core economics units at level 1
(Microeconomics and Macroeconomics). They also all require students to follow a module in Mathematics for
Economists, except the dual degree programme with Mathematics, where the level 1 mathematics content is
delivered by the School of Mathematics and Statistics. Students must also take a module in Statistics for
Economists (with the same exception) at level 1 (RL11 and RL21) or level 2 (LL12, LV15, NL11, NL41 and RL41)
with students having the choice to study at level 1 or 2 on RL71. At level 2 all programmes require students to take
two further core economic theory modules so that the first two levels generally include 50% of credits devoted to
Economics. LG11 also has a core module at level 3.
In addition to core modules, option modules are also available to students on dual degree programmes. Whilst
choice is necessarily limited at level 1 because of the necessity to engage in core material for both subjects of the
degree programmes, there is progressively greater choice at subsequent levels such that all programmes offer
substantial choice at level 3 and most of the programmes impose no core economics units at this level.
Detailed information about the structure of programmes, regulations concerning assessment and progression and
descriptions of individual modules are published in the University Calendar available on-line at
http://www.shef.ac.uk/govern/calendar/regs.html.
21. Student development over the course of study
The curriculum enables students to develop both broad-based knowledge and more specialised engagement with
specific topics. It is designed to progressively promote the depth of understanding over the three years of
undergraduate study.
Level 1 develops a general understanding of the economist’s approach to problem solving and to the key issues in
Economics, with a blend of theory, policy and quantitative analysis. Key skills are developed through familiarisation
with ICT, self-directed learning and group work.
Level 2 extends understanding of theory and policy issues with an introduction to econometrics, allowing students to
extend their knowledge and skills base.
Level 3 enables students to accumulate in-depth knowledge in particular areas and to extend their experience of key
skills for employability, such as working in a team, working on an individual task, problem solving and time
management.
22. Criteria for admission to the programme(s)
Detailed information regarding admission to the programme is available at http://www.shef.ac.uk/prospective/.
All enquiries should be made in the first instance to the Departmental Admissions Secretary at econ@shef.ac.uk or
Tel: +44 (0) 114 222 3399
23. Additional information
On some of these programmes students may convert to a four year programme if they obtain a year long placement
between years two and three of this programme. The placement must be obtained on merit by the student and
approved by the two Departments. Extensive guidance is offered on finding placements and successfully
accomplishing the extra requirements such work imposes. A student completing the four year programme will
graduate with the degree BA/BSc in Economics and with Employment Experience. This is not available to students
on four year programmes with a Modern Language.
This specification represents a concise statement about the main features of the programme and should be
considered alongside other sources of information provided by the teaching department(s) and the University. In
addition to programme specific information, further information about studying at The University of Sheffield can be
accessed via our Student Services web site at http://www.shef.ac.uk/ssid.
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